Sunday, 22 January 2017

THE EMPTY SHOP MANCHESTER

Here's a little more info... if you have any clothes you wish to donate to a good cause then keep on reading!

Due to the overwhelming success of previous years, the charitable
donations, which aim to exceed last year’s total of nearly two tonnes,
will now go towards helping two Manchester-based charities. These are; Mustard Tree, which works to help the city’s homeless and deprived, along with brand new charity partner for 2017, Goodstock by vInspired, which aims to encourage the youth of tomorrow to volunteer their time to those less fortunate.

This year, The Empty Shop has also teamed up with ‘Musicians Against Homelessness’ to
help spread the word about the concept. Patron of the project Alan
McGee, best known for co-founding Creation Records and managing
Manchester band Oasis and founder Emma Rule commented, “Musicians
Against Homelessness are proud to be supporting The Empty Shop in 2017.
With the number of people homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless
escalating at an alarming rate; the essential services of Mustard Tree
and Goodstock by vinspired are needed more than ever before. We are
thrilled to support such great causes in a city that’s close to both of
our hearts’’

The official celebrity ambassador for the project in 2017 is
Manchester born Rowetta, best known for her work with renowned local
band Happy Mondays. Rowetta is actively involved with the Musicians
Against Homelessness campaign and was thrilled to be selected as this
year's ambassador for The Empty Shop.

Rowetta comments “With many wardrobes fit to burst following the
Christmas and Boxing Day sales, it’s a great time of year to think about
those that are less fortunate. Mancunians are renowned for pulling
together as a community to help each other and I’m really pleased to be
involved in The Empty Shop. Together with Musicians Against
Homelessness, I hope that we can help to raise much-needed funds and
awareness for Mustard Tree and Goodstock by vInspired.”

Rowetta was joined by local fashion bloggers, stylists and
official compere JSky in Exchange Court on Thursday 19 January to launch
the 2017 campaign, which runs from 20 - 29 January. Members of the
public, local businesses and retailers will be able to drop off their
quality pre-loved and unworn garments at specially designed ‘empty
wardrobes’ conveniently located within the following 12 retailers, where
you can also pick up a discount or be entered into a free prize draw in
exchange for your donations;

Manchester artist and self-proclaimed doodler ‘Dave Draws’ will
illustrate the wardrobes for the 2017 campaign and has also produced a
limited-edition tote bag available for the first 1,000 donators.
The donation points will be open for ten days and, at the end of the
campaign, the clothing will be resold by Mustard Tree and Goodstock by
vInspired, with all proceeds split evenly between the two charities.

More than 23,325 items of clothing and an astounding 6.18 tonnes have
been donated over the last three years, including over £100,000 worth
of brand new items from N Brown Group PLC, AKA clothing, Bestseller,
boohoo, SimonandSimon and luxury boutique Black White Denim. The project
has garnered numerous industry accolades, including the International
Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) Community Foundation Award, as well
as being nominated for the prestigious Albert Sussman International
Community support award; the industry’s highest honour.

David Allinson, Centre Director at Manchester Arndale said; “The
international recognition ‘The Empty Shop’ has received in previous
years is a testament to the people of Manchester and their generosity.
Because of that ongoing support, it’s fantastic that in 2017 we’re able
to support not just one but two Manchester-based charities.’’